North Berwick - Tantallon Tour
Overview
22.4 km
Description
Explore the dramatic East Lothian coast and countryside along quiet country lanes. Leaving from North Berwick pier, this route takes in clifftop views, an ancient castle and sandy beaches.
From the Scottish Seabird Centre, cross Milsey Bay and take the track across the golf course, leading to the main Tantallon Road. Heading east, follow the John Muir Way cycle route waymarkers and you’ll quickly turn south onto quiet back roads, with a short off-road track leading to Whitekirk. It’s then onto the coastal road that leads to Seacliff Beach before turning back inland towards the imposing Tantallon Castle.
Enjoy a coffee stop at Canty Bay overlooking the cliffs on your way back to North Berwick.
Terrain
This route follows sections of the John Muir Way cycling route along quiet back roads and footpaths. There is a short section on the A198. Surfaces are a mix of
pavement, grassy track, gravel, sandy footpaths and tarmac roads. It is suited to mountain or gravel bikes or a hybrid with wide tyres and is relatively flat.
Getting There
BY RAIL: North Berwick train station provides a swift link with Edinburgh.
BY BUS: This area is served by the 26 and X5 bus routes between Edinburgh and North Berwick.
BY CAR: There is parking (pay and display) in the centre of North Berwick and for free in Dirleton.
Facilities
You’ll find a good selection of places to stop for a break and a bite to eat on this route, including cafes in North Berwick and near Whitekirk and Canty Bay. For cycle repairs and e-bike hire, check out Law Cycles and EZ Riders.
Points of interest
Tantallon Castle
Set on the edge of the cliffs, looking out to the Bass Rock, this formidable castle was a stronghold of the Douglas family. Ascend Tantallon’s towers for spectacular views of the Bass Rock and to watch gannets plunge into the North Sea. Then descend into the depths of a particularly grim pit prison.
Open daily 10am-4pm
North Berwick Law
North Berwick Law is a small but steep hill formed from a volcanic plug. Although just 187m high, it provides superb views over East Lothian and the Forth.
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Scottish Seabird Centre
Discover the birds that make their home along East Lothian’s coastline, with boat trips out to visit the Bass Rock and the world's largest colony of Northern Gannets - voted BBC Countryfile Nature Reserve of the Year. There is also a great café making this an unmissable pit-stop on your journey!
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Tyninghame Beach
Otherwise known as Ravensheugh Sands, this huge beach is regarded as one of the finest in the south of Scotland.
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Seacliff Beach
With stunning views of Tantallon Castle and Bass Rock and the UK’s smallest harbour, Seacliff Beach is well worth the short detour to the coast.
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Bass Rock
Home to the world's largest colony of northern gannets, boat trips are available from the Scottish Seabird Centre.
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